Levels of security inside the Aviation industry have never been higher; mainly due to increased terrorism threat levels across the globe, combined with a worldwide rise in smuggling activity. No airport is immune from these pressures and Ghana’s ‘Kotoka International’ can now claim to meet ACC3, the highest accreditation in the aviation industry, thanks to their recent investment in the latest generation of IP CCTV systems from Hikvision.
Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport
Established in 1994, Aviance Ghana Ltd provides a range of ground handling services at Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport, situated just outside the capital, Accra. The airport itself is Ghana’s premier international flight centre and is capable of accepting large aircrafts, such as the latest generation of Boeing 747.Aviance Ghana is one of eight companies making up the Aviance Alliance, which operates at more than 100 airport locations across 4 continents
It occupies more than 650 hectares, with two large terminals for domestic/regional and international/long-haul operations that are connected by an internal walkway.
Terminal 2 is the principal international departure terminal and includes restaurants, duty-free shops and two Executive lounges for First and Business Class travellers. There are also two smaller terminals dedicated solely to diplomatic flights and military operations.
Aviance Ghana is one of eight companies making up the Aviance Alliance, which operates at more than 100 airport locations across 4 continents. At Kotoka, the ground services include managing all the passenger concourse facilities in Terminal 2, plus passenger check-in and baggage handling, the loading and unloading of cargo from freight flights and a cargo warehouse operation for all import and export needs.
Overriding security objectives
Given that today’s security concerns require the aviation industry to maintain very high levels of protection measures, close scrutiny of the 650 hectare site that the airport occupies and protecting passengers, aircraft and cargo were the twin key objectives for Aviance when deciding to upgrade the Airport’s CCTV system.
The company also recognised that intelligently deploying the camera infrastructure would be necessary to maximise cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The new Skylink CCTV system design uses four different types of Hikvision IP camera
Aviance Ghana turned to Skylinks Technical Services Ltd and tasked them with designing a solution that would enable it to meet the EU’s ACC3 accreditation, the highest accreditation in the aviation industry.
In turn, Skylinks turned to Hikvision for the design of an all-IP CCTV system capable of not only meeting the current challenges facing Aviance in its operation at Kotoka International Airport, but also providing an expandable base that could rise to meet future developments.
The new Skylink CCTV system design uses four different types of Hikvision IP cameras connected to a 32-channel, RAID 5 NVR over an entirely new Gigabit network infrastructure. According to Haim Atanelov, Skylinks General Manager, “The final brief for the CCTV upgrade included installation of new cameras in Aviance’s import and export cargo warehouses, both entry and exit vehicle gates, within the terminal public areas, at the biometric log-in area and associated turnstiles, and within the VIP lounge areas.
“In all of these disparate areas, we were challenged by Aviance to deliver high resolution images at all times and in all lighting conditions. It is these pressures that helped us in choosing Hikvision components, with their robust build quality, excellent video quality, and quick and simple installation and operation due to the user-friendly software. It also helped that the products offer very competitive prices and are accompanied by after-sales service and technical support from a first-class team.”
Clear images in poor lighting conditions
Aviance is committed to phasing out the old system in favour of a totally Hikvision IP system as soon as possible" The CCTV system uses a combination of IP66-rated dome and bullet cameras with either 1.3 or 3MP resolution. A total of four DS-2CD2312-I 1.3MP Outdoor Network Mini Dome cameras were installed, two in the public areas of the terminal and two at the main gates where passengers complete the biometric log-in process and enter through the turnstiles.
To complement the dome cameras, nine EXIR bullet cameras were used: five DS-2CD2212-I5 1.3 MP units for general surveillance in the warehouses together with a pair of DS-2CD2232-I5 3MP units where greater resolution was required, and two DS-2CD2632F-I 3MP Vari-focal EXIR cameras for the main vehicle entry and exit gates.
“All of the cameras offer great resolution, with 3D DNR and Digital WDR as standard, together with a full complement of alarm triggers, including line crossing and motion and intrusion detection” says Haim Atanelov.
“But, the true day/night capability of the EXIR infrared technology meant that they always delivered clear images, even in the warehouses where lighting conditions are not good. Both the 1.3MP and 3MP bullet cameras employed in the warehouses live up to the 50-metre IR range quoted. What’s more, the 30-metre EXIR range of the mini dome cameras deployed in the terminal building is also very useful during night time hours when the building lighting is partially shut down.The new system has already proved its worth, helping to completely seal the export warehouse in particular
“We also paid particular attention to the vehicle entry and exit points, in each case choosing the 3MP Vari-focal bullet cameras for their IP66 environmental protection, high resolution, advanced night viewing capabilities and zoom.”
Into the future
The new system has already proved its worth, helping to completely seal the export warehouse in particular and enabling Kotoka to meet ACC3 accreditation. Together with securing the import warehouse, which serves global airline and cargo brands such as British Airways, South African Airways, Alitalia, KLM, Virgin, DHL, Cargolux, etc., it means that the airport is well-placed to continue to attract business.
“Aviance is especially pleased with the smooth integration of the Hikvision IP system with the access control system at the 4 turnstiles,” says Haim Atanelov, “something which was also carefully noted by the EU ACC3 validators. Aviance was also pleased with the integration of the new system with the existing analogue CCTV system, although it did show up the difference in video quality immediately.
"We have already agreed to add further IP cameras to the site and Aviance is committed to phasing out the old system in favour of a totally Hikvision IP system as soon as possible.”

GRW is one of South Africa’s leading providers of sophisticated road transport trailers; designing, manufacturing and servicing a wide range of bespoke vehicles, each configured to provide a solution to the unique transportation needs of an individual client. GRW has now invested in a state-of-the-art IP CCTV system to protect its premises against unauthorised access and monitor the large, modern production facilities, and is already reaping the benefits from the integration of analytics with the IP cameras.
GRW transport operations
Founded in South Africa in 1996, GRW’s operations have always revolved around the transport of commercial goods. Whether it’s carrying petroleum, chemicals, temperature-controlled perishables, FMCG, pallets or bulk general cargo, the trailers manufactured by GRW are specifically designed to meet the individual transportation requirements of customers throughout Southern Africa, the Middle East, Australia and the UK.
All the company’s products emerge from its large, ultra-modern manufacturing complex in Worcester, in South Africa’s Western Cape. As well as housing the extensive production facilities and spare parts department, the facility is also home to GRW Services and GRW Financial Services, which are responsible for worldwide customer care and after-sales contract servicing and the supply of rental units.
Surveillance of the perimeter of this large facility and protecting the plant from unauthorised access was a key security concern for the company. However, manned patrols of the perimeter proved ineffective and Sensor Security was tasked with designing a solution that would automate the process of securing the boundary and eliminate the possibility of human error. At the same time, GRW recognised that an intelligent camera infrastructure might enable remote monitoring of the production process and Sensor Security was asked to investigate.Surveillance of the perimeter of this large facility and protecting the plant from unauthorised access was a key security concern for the company
Integration of analytics with IP cameras
“From the outset we knew that the proposed CCTV system should successfully serve a dual purpose, helping supervisors and managers monitor the workshop operations during opening hours and securing the perimeter 24 hours a day,” says Edmund Casaleggio, Sensor Security’s Sales Executive.
“There was also a need to make the combined system as simple and easy to operate as possible, ensuring that operations staff had unrestricted access to the workshop video feeds while not being distracted by the security cameras and vice versa for the security officers, who are best served by complete concentration on securing the premises.”
Following extensive consultations with GRW staff, the final design of the dual-purpose system involved a total of 18 Hikvision cameras, eleven on the perimeter and seven in the workshop area, all feeding in to a 32-channel Hikvision NVR at GRW, and to Security Sensor’s control room.
“GRW was actively involved in the whole consultation and design process, right from day one, with suggestions on key sites needing monitoring and protecting and information and advice on the flow of work and personnel around the workshop area” continues Edmund Casaleggio. “This was hugely beneficial and one of the main contributory factors in the successful installation. In my experience it is always more challenging, risky even, to install any security-related system without sufficient input and collaboration from the end-user client.”
A smart perimeter
Perimeter patrolling with guards having proved ineffective, GRW was also keen that the introduction of cameras did not mean that an individual would have to be assigned to constantly manage the CCTV system around-the-clock.
Therefore, the Hikvision DS-2CD4012F-A Smart 1.3MP low-light box camera was selected to monitor the perimeter of the plant, with active use of the cameras Smart Analytics intrusion flags ensuring that GRW’s security officers and Sensor Security’s control room are pro-actively notified of any unauthorised movement around the premises.
According to Edmund Casaleggio, “The integration of analytics with the Smart IP CCTV cameras is a significant added advantage, flagging alarms only when intrusion occurs within the specified range. We do not have to use alarm inputs and outputs to connect passives and actives on the DVR/NVR, which saves significantly on maintenance of the system. It also reduced installation time significantly. What’s more, the accuracy of these Smart cameras with analytics is far better than beams, as long as the cameras are correctly calibrated when installed. In this regard, the Auto Back Focus on these Smart cameras greatly assists the installation technicians to achieve the best possible viewing quality.”
As well as the Smart Intrusion Detection, the Hikvision DS-2CD4012F-A also features Smart Codec, Smart Focus, Smart VQD, Smart Face Detection and Smart Audio Detection. They also benefit from 3D DNR and Digital WDR, and the Day & Night IR cut filter allows successful video operation down to 0.001 Lux.
Remote monitoring of perimeter and workshop
Seven Hikvision DS-2CD2132-I 3MP Mini Dome Cameras keep watch over all operations in the workshop area, assisting the supervisors and managers to remotely monitor processes on the floor. This process is made much easier and more efficient for these staff due to the integration of the Hikvision DS-9632NI-ST 32-channel NVR with a PC, ensuring that operational staff are only presented with images relevant to the production area.GRW is already reaping the benefits from the integration of analytics with the IP cameras and is set to continue for many years"
“The full HD, 1080p real-time video is a huge asset for the supervisory staff and the camera itself, protected within its IP66 vandal-proof housing, has withstood the rigours of a harsh industrial environment really well,” continues Edmund Casaleggio. “True day/night operation thanks to its 30m IR range and Digital WDR and 3D DNR also contribute to the high-quality video at all times.”
A real success
“This newly-installed state-of-the-art IP CCTV system automates the process of protecting GRW’s premises against unauthorised access and monitoring the production facilities while eliminating the possibility of human error,” says Edmund Casaleggio. “GRW is already reaping the benefits from the integration of analytics with the IP cameras and is set to continue for many years.
“At the same time, they are benefitting from the user-friendly nature of Hikvision’s technology. This deceptively “simple” platform helps GRW staff to operate the software easily with minimal training while Smart features, such as ABF, aids our technicians to achieve the best possible video quality.
“However, the quality of Hikvision’s hardware and software does not come with an unaffordable price tag. In fact, since Hikvision’s iVMS-4200 software allows for the integration of analogue and IP cameras free-of-charge, this serves to increase the affordability of their products. What’s more, the free Hikvision software allows the feeds from analogue and IP cameras to be integrated on one screen.
“In conclusion, Hikvision’s huge range of cameras, NVRs, DVRs and software allows us to propose unitary solutions to their security needs and to more successfully back-up and service the installation over many years. Quite simply, it is easier to provide post-sales service and support with a single, reliable brand.”

Located in the city of Pinelands, South Africa's Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) is a non-profit, independent organisation operating throughout the Western Cape. However, in reality, this is the largest blood bank in the nation and shoulders a medical responsibility commiserate with this status.
Annually in charge of over 165,000 units of blood, the WPBTS operates in accordance with both the World Health Organisation's international standards and local South African national law to assist patients with their medical needs.
Monitoring medical areas
In late 2011, the WPBTS contacted South African security installer Verivision to develop a hybrid solution that would:
Ensure that sensitive medical areas are continually monitored
Logistically monitor the packaging and dispatching of blood stock
Monitor the movement of individuals throughout the facility
Interestingly, from its very inception, this solution was meant to transcend the traditional goals of a normative security. This is to say, instead of only stopping 'bad guys', this WPBTS solution is intended to add value and bring logistical benefits to the medical facility. This is not to say that security was de-prioritised; but rather that it is meant to highlight the multi-functional IP role that Verivision aspires towards.
iVMS Smart Search
A big part of this value-add was the logistical tracking of blood packets.
In this case, it was a Hikvision software feature that helped facilitate this aspect of the solution. Specifically, it was Hikvision iVMS-4200 Software's Smart Search feature for both the facility's existing analogue and IP cameras.
Essentially, this feature provides motion detection, in a specified area, for security functions. In the case of the WPBTS, cameras are trained on a certain area containing valuable blood stock; if activity occurs, Hikvision's DS-8132HFSI-SH Standalone DVR is programmed to start recording a particular camera's video feed.
Furthermore, if a bookkeeping incongruence is later detected, Smart Search allows the Material Manager (the individual largely responsible for the day-to-day and managerial duties associated with this IP CCTV system) to quickly search for the associated video based upon related date & time parameters.
Keith Lewis, owner of Verivision, noted, "In many respects, this Smart Search feature is the key to the entire solution. Of course, it is only one of many aspects; however much of the hardware and technical work that went into designing the overall system was based upon the idea of efficiency. Smart Search very much epitomises this efficiency and has improved overall security while concurrently reducing shrinkage [loss] by a large margin. We are even able to better ensure laboratory standards are more efficiently met with WPBTS blood resources."
Keeping with the DS-8132HFSI-SH, Mr. Lewis explained that in the WPBTS, the CCTV system has a unique internal design. Essentially, the CCTV system is maintained by the Central IT Department. In turn, the aforementioned Material Manager has an office in close proximity to this Central IT Department, and is connected by fibre-optical cable. Through these means, the Material Manager has the facility's lone client PC used to access any live or recorded video that is deemed to be of importance.
"We are even able to better ensure laboratory standards are more efficiently met with WPBTS blood resources"
The WPBTS requires video storage of anywhere between 50 - 90 days. With the medical importance of this facility, Mr. Lewis stated, "I only want the best possible resolution for both live and recorded views. This is why I chose the DS-8132HFSI-SH - it gives me 4CIF resolution real-time recording and an HDMI/VGA output at 1920×1080P resolution ... the best resolution possible for any of the analogue cameras in this medical facility."
Current and future IP possibilities
Hikvision's DS-9632NI-ST Embedded NVR was selected to allow the facility's IP cameras to function. As can be expected, Mr. Lewis expected nothing less from this NVR model. With up-to 5MP recording resolution and identical HDMI / VGA output as the previous DVR, he was not disappointed.
Additionally, this NVR provides the ability to add 32 IP cameras to the overall solution, providing both an element of foresight and fiscal practicality for whatever the future may bring.
IP eyes
Placed in critical areas, such as the blood dispatch / transport area, and biometrically-secured access control stations, Hikvision's DS-2CD2012-I 1.3MP IR Mini Bullet Camera relies upon its excellent high-resolution capability to provide quality images.
Almost antithetical to this 1.3MP technology is an equally important aspect: the DS-2CD2012-I's small, low-profile design. Mr. Lewis elaborated, "Since this model is primarily in main passageways, we wanted a camera that did not ... stick out. Instead, the goal was for a durable, unobtrusive camera that does a great job ... and with its IR ability, it had no problem doing this job in the middle of night, when the facility is locked-down and lights are off."
Adding the proverbial cherry-on-top is the Hikvision DS-2CD7153-E 2MP Mini Dome Camera. Placed in the Transport Control Room, a logistical nerve centre of the medical building, the DS-2CD7153-E is responsible for keeping a visual record of exactly who is entering the building and exactly why they are doing so.
In this transport control room, Hikvision's 2MP resolution mini dome is able to easily view the attendant's activities; giving a clear view of the logbooks and of people in the area. Providing a superb wide-angle view, this IP mini dome camera is both a security and value-added logistical benefit.